Rejoice!

Friday, March 22, 2013                      Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29

Jane McDow

“This is the day the Lord has made-Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

            Psalm 118 is a psalm, a song, of thanks to God for ways God has been present in our lives.  It is a song of great rejoicing and thankfulness.  It reminds us that it is God who saves us; that we cannot save ourselves. 

This is such a familiar verse and it is one I hear many mornings as we begin our day at home.  Often these are the first words out of Tom’s mouth.  How wonderful to hear this glorious praise to start the day!  How wonderful to be reminded that this day is special; it is the only today I get so I should use it wisely.  What would God have me do today?  I wish I asked myself this very question each day.  Today I can study God’s Word.  Today I can spend time in prayer, listening for God’s message.  Today I can serve God by serving others.  Today I can exercise and eat healthy food to take care of this body God has given me.  Today I can smile at all I meet.  If I do not ask myself this question, “What do I think God would like me to do today,” I may be so unintentional that I let the day slip away.

            My days are the happiest and most joyful when I remember that they are a gift from God.  I, like all of us, am able to be the hands and feet of Christ here on earth each day.  May we all rejoice that God has given us this day and share God’s love with others.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the gift of this day.  May we come to you with praise and rejoicing for another glorious day.  Amen

Daily challenge:  Begin this day in praise and rejoicing.   May we be aware of others’ needs.  It may only be a smile or a kind word.